AIP, HCP, VP, & ADP

Introduction

Please note that the symptoms and treatments for AIP are applicable to Variegate Porphyria (VP), Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP), and ALAD porphyria (ADP). Unlike AIP patients, however, VP, HCP and ADP patients often develop photosensitivity.

Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP) is a rare disease that is usually inherited from one parent. It is almost always latent (i.e. does not produce illness) in childhood and is usually latent in adults throughout life. When the disorder is active, it can cause intermittent attacks of abdominal pain as well as a variety of symptoms, which range from mild to life-threatening.

After the correct diagnosis of AIP is made, simple precautions can be taken to prevent attacks. It is important to check all relatives of porphyria patients for the genetic defect, so they can take the same precautions and avoid becoming ill from porphyria. Even relatives who have never had symptoms should be tested, as described on the following pages.